I Fell For The Boy His Daddy Was A Bonus

Chapter 49: Cindy’s Apology 

"Misses Hogans, I just want to thank you for giving me a chance," Scarlett said in front of her boss, Jessica Hogans, after missing two full days of work.

Scarlett was skeptical if she still had a job, despite informing HR about her situation.However, following her mother’s decision to hire a private prosecutor, she brought the case to Longhills And Hogans Associates.She was deemed a client, and that added a plus point for her.

"You are going to have to make up for your absences, Miss Barnes," Jessica suggested.

"You are going to be extended in trademark and patent team, plus overtime.Mind you, I am only giving you one week of leave.If you can’t return, I suggest you voluntarily resign.I need people to move my company, Scarlett, not put it on hold, regardless of your personal reasons.You can reapply when ".

"That won’t happen.I promise to be back next week.Misses Hogans, thank you so much for the understanding.I swear to make it up to you," Scarlett replied with a heavy sigh.

"You are welcome."

Pointing to a male attorney in his early thirties, Jessica introduced, "Well, here is his.Your attorney.".

Yael Amari was their assigned lawyer from Longhills And Hogans Associates.He was helpful and was direct to the point.

Jessica told Scarlett that the man used to be one of the best public prosecutors in Braeton until he decided to practice privately.He presented Scarlett and Cindy options, a way to speed up a trial, including handling Analisa’s continued denial of the crime.

Even Courtney had now denied her previous admission, thanks to having lawyered up.

***

It took another three days before they subsequently raised an offer to Analisa and Courtney.

Scarlett and Cindy watched from behind the one-way glass mirror inside the police station’s interrogation room.

Analisa was there with her lawyer, waiting to see what the investigator and Yael had to tell her.

"Your confession will easily help you with your case.The party of Cindy and Scarlett Barnes have agreed to negotiate after admission and complete confession of how you had planned everything," the investigator said, his eyes glancing at the lawyer, Yael.

He reminded her of how her apartment was turned upside down and how they found several bottles of the same poison Courtney also had in her room.

The police officer then presented another document, telling her what he had discovered.

"Your former name is Melissa Hernandez.You were married to Raul Hernandez, a pharmaceutical scientist who had worked with Mister Philip Barnes in the past."

"Your husband dreamed of having his own pharmaceutical company, but it failed the moment his first biggest research was discontinued, thanks to Mister Philip Barnes and other investors of the research."

The investigators walked around in circles before adding, "Your husband became depressed, even after learning of your pregnancy, he took his own life."

"You, being the wife of Raul Hernandez, felt the need to avenge your husband."

Pointing to Analisa, the police officer suggested, "That! Is a clear motive.You even involved your own daughter."

"Which brings us to another question.Considering how you knew the Barnes long before, the parties of the Barnes would like to know… details of how… you switched Courtney and Scarlett Barnes at birth –

what? Deny it?"

The police officer pointed to Analisa’s attorney and claimed, "The fact that she knew them beforehand meant girls were purposely switched.It’s just too much of a coincidence… So you will also have to own up to kidnapping."

Seeing Analisa was still silent, Yael interrupted, saying, "My clients will not wait too long for your decision.They are prepared to go through a lengthy trial, but you can save us all the trouble, including yourself, by admitting to everything.In return, you will get a lower sentence."

***

Analisa did not give them an answer.

Scarlett had to admit, she was a tough woman to crack.

Despite the pressure from Yael and from the police officers, she maintained her silence.

Scarlett and Yael had to speak to Analisa’s attorney in private.

They reminded the lawyer to lay out the pros and cons for Analisa.Their only fear was, technically, Analisa had nothing to lose now.

Courtney, on the other hand, wound up admitting to her crimes.

They had one win for the day, but as a result, Cindy was just heartbroken.

She had been for days, but after hearing Courtney’s confession, she was just silent; and often, she would break down in tears.

After that day’s visit to the police station, Scarlett and Cindy, together with Kaleb, went to the airport.

A private jet had been arranged to fly out to Swaxon City.

Scarlett said to Cindy, "Mother.I will let you know once Analisa has made her decision.I think, for now, it is best that you stay with father and Aurora.Give him a better reason to heal faster."

"I have already arranged your hotel stay you near the Swaxon Poison Center.Philip’s treatment is being billed to me, so you don’t have to worry about it for now," Kaleb revealed before pointing to the aircraft.

"The crew is waiting.Have a safe flight Misses Barnes." Cindy just sucked in a breath.

She looked down at her trembling hand before she meekly asked Scarlett, "Aren’t – aren’t you coming with me, dear?"

"Mother, I have work and I need to study for the bar exams," Scarlett reasoned.

"But your father – » "Mother, I will always care for you and father, because you are my parents, but let’s be honest here, we aren’t really that close.You made sure of that, remember?" Scarlett delicately pointed out.

"My life and my career have been put on hold for so long and this is my chance to move forward.I can’t hold it because of what’s happening now."

"And besides, I have people commissioned to aid you in Swaxon City.Technically, you don’t need Scarlett there,"

Kaleb added, "When Philip wakes up, you also need time to clear things with him.We don’t want him getting agitated at how Scarlett is there.You are the best person to break the truth to him… gently."

"Kaleb and I will see you next weekend, perhaps,"

Scarlett proposed, "And I count on you, -mother to explain everything to father!”

Hearing the words of Scarlett, Cindy swallowed air down her throat.Her chest became heavy and tears welled in the corners of her eyes.She gripped Scarlett’s arms before slowly kneeling down.

Cindy howled in tears, her head lowering.She said, "I’m sorry! I’m so sorry! I’m sorry for not listening to you! I’m sorry for choosing Courtney over you!"

In each second that passed, her voice became louder and louder.

"I’m sorry I was so blinded.I was stupid! I’m – I’m sorry, I should have treated you better.It should have been you! You were my real daughter – you should have gotten the best of everything!"

Cindy’s face easily became soaked with her tears, her mouth hanging open, howling out her cries.

"I should have loved you and I hate myself! I hate myself so much.Ahhhh!".

She went on and on, repeating her words like a broken record.

Gone was her poise and elegance. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Cindy ended up hugging Scarlett’s thighs as she remained down on both her knees.She was at it so hard that Scarlett worried about her emotional health.

"Enough, mother.Enough," Scarlett spoke.

She urged Cindy to get up, saying, "That’s enough.It’s not good for you."

"Please! Please, Scarlett.Please tell me you will forgive me!"

After getting up, she threw her handbag down on the ground and just embraced Scarlett’s frame again.

She asserted, "Please… Please, forgive me."

"Mother."

Hugging her back, Scarlett could not help but cry herself.She caressed Cindy’s back and answered, "Mother, I forgive you."

"I forgive you, but… it’s not also easy to forget.For me, it came to a point when I had already become numb, I will always refer to you as my mother, but please… please give me time,"

Scarlett added, "Give me time."